The Frozen Chosen

Once again, I was reading the story of Zaccchaeus. I've read this a bazillion times, so I was surprised to find my focus directed to something I never before noticed.

Luke 19:6,

"So he (Zacchaeus) came down at once and

welcomed him (Christ) gladly."

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"Gladly" being the focus word for today, class.

Here's what Beth Moore has to say about this:
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"I don't think we're off base to imagine that his sudden display of glee was slightly out of character. The Word doesn't paint tax collectors as campus favorites. Don't you love how Christ can change an entire personality! Not only can he make the blind man see, but also He can perform a much greater feat: He can make the grump rejoice!" She goes on to say, "The good news coming from people in a bad mood undermines the message a tad."

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That brought a smile to my face.

-Philip Yancey once said,

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"If the good news is true, why isn't one pleased to hear it?"

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I believe he was referring to the legalistic church who proclaims the gospel, laced with a bunch of "Thou shalt nots."

Another one of my favorites is G.K.Chesterton who said,

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"The modern age is characterized by a sadness that calls for a new kind of prophet, not like prophets of old who reminded people that they were going to die, but someone who would remind them they are not dead yet."

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PS - Let me ask you: if the same theme comes up consecutively as I study the Bible, might it mean God is trying to teach me something until I learn it? (I've seen the videos, I've seen the pictures, I know I have a grumpy countenance, but really... inside.... I'm a bundle of joy... really.... okay.. I'll work on it.)

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Enjoy your day!

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A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.

- Proverbs 15:30